Governor Napolitano Urges Support for Children's Well-being
Children join Governor Napolitano and Partners for Arizona’s Children at the unveiling of a new statewide public involvement campaign
Phoenix, AZ (November 7, 2005) Today marks the advent of a new grassroots effort to tag the responsibility for caring for the Arizona’s children not on one or two groups – but on everyone.
You’re It! is the message and rally cry that Partners for Arizona’s Children, a statewide public-private partnership, hopes will stick with caregivers, educators, legislators, voters, parents and anyone who cares about the future of Arizona – our children.
“The phrase ‘you’re it’ conjures up a lot of feelings – some people don’t like getting tagged with accountability. But frankly – the phrase makes the most sense for what we’re trying to convey. It’s not the responsibility of a few people to raise a child – it’s the responsibility of an entire community,” said Partners for Arizona’s Children Chairman Dave Howell.
As an initial and easy first step, the group has printed the message on car magnets that are available on its web site, www.youreit-az.org – simply by signing up as a You’re It Champion for Children. “By posting this simple message on a car and endorsing it – you’re stating that you’re joining the effort to help Arizona’s children and that you’re encouraging others to do the same,” Howell said.
The group has other recommendations for how businesses, organizations and individuals can take an active role in the future of our children including understanding and educating others about the state’s issues in caring for children; voting for people, programs and policies that support children; and investing in organizations and programs dedicated to the success of children. The You’re It campaign’s call to action is “Be a voice. Get Involved. Invest in Children.”
The You’re It message is a message for every one because ensuring our children are happy, healthy and enter school ready to succeed has economic benefits to all of us. In fact, research shows that for every $1 invested in quality early care and learning now,we recoup up to $17 in future savings.
“Who doesn’t like returns like that?” Howell asked.
The campaign was officially launched today at a press conference at the State Capitol featuring children holding rally signs and endorsement by Governor Janet Napolitano.
“As Arizona moves with the rest of the world toward a global knowledge economy, it is critical that our children have every competitive educational advantage. By investing in our children now, we will ensure that Arizona will be a player on the global business field for generations to come,” Governor Napolitano said.
The Governor and other speakers at the conference implored all Arizonans to get involved – from faith leaders to teachers, from parents to senior citizens.
“Everyone can and should do their part – whether it’s raising the self-esteem of a child by simply listening and teaching – or voting for initiatives that encourage investment in early learners,” said Ken Burdick, West Region CEO of United Healthcare.
The campaign’s relevance is statewide since Partners for Arizona’s Children boasts members throughout Arizona, and advocates for investment in early care and education throughout the state. The group is convened by Valley of the Sun United Way and includes United Way chapters across Arizona, businesses, foundations and non-profits collaborated on the campaign’s development and will use the message to encourage investment in quality early care and learning. The organizers of the campaign hope to see the message touted on fleets of vehicles owned by businesses, mass transit and privately owned cars.
"We have to be creative in how we broadcast this message. And without the luxury of a major advertising budget, we’re relying on good, old-fashioned grassroots to get the word out,” Howell said. The group is asking businesses, organizations, associations and other groups for the opportunity to speak to their employees and constituencies. Presentations can be scheduled by visiting www.youre-itaz.org or by calling 602.631.4829.
About Partners for Arizona’s Children
Partners for Arizona’s Children is a statewide public-private partnership dedicated to increasing public awareness and engagement around the importance of investing in children. Our vision is an Arizona where all children have the resources they need to be healthy, happy and enter school ready to succeed. Be a voice. Get Involved. Invest in Children. You’re It!
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